Win Tickets to the Chinese Lantern Festival

Looking for something fun to do this weekend? Then do not miss the last few days of the Chinese Lantern Festival.

Step into a magical festival of lights. Imagine AMAZING, larger than life hand crafted lanterns illuminating the night sky, incredible live entertainment and cultural food. You’ll be immersed in an unforgettable night of multicultural adventure! From food to crafts to entertainments, you will experience the magic of China and the ancient art of silk lanterns.

This year’s exhibit is called ,”The Wild”. During your visits you will walk through an enchanted safari filled with lions, tigers and bear (oh my!). Animals from all over the world are placed in well thought out areas.

Island Water Sports has partnered with The Chinese Lantern Festival to bring you to this incredible festival

WIN A PAIR OF TICKETS TO THE CHINESE LANTERN FESTIVAL

How to win:

Alligators surround a beware of gators sign. Dragonflies flap their wings in the bushes. Spectacular lionesses loom in the palm trees. From the sounds to the scenery, you will be transformed into a place of wonder.

TO WIN: Comment on this blog post with the reason we should pick you. We will randomly pick a winner Friday, January 12th at 10pm. The winner will be notified and can pick up their tickets at will call to attend Saturday, Sunday or the last night on Monday.

Chinese folk art demonstrations include paper cutting, sugar painting, folk embroidery , know art, and fabric art. The live martial arts presentation is spectacular. It begins with an artistic interpretation of Chinese boxing and gets the crowd involved by coaching the guys in this ancient practice.

Chinese Lantern Festival Nightly Schedule​

The Art of Chinese Lantern Making

The lantern festival is one of China’s most traditional celebrations. During this annual festival, a variety of lanterns are hung throughout the street. And, children make their own lanterns for local parades.

The art of lantern making dates back to 206 B.C (during the Han Dynasty). It was an era of innovation, science and invention as handcrafted arts took on purpose for beauty as well as practical needs of day-to-day life.

Originally lanterns were simply used for lighting. But, over time, Chinese lanterns evolved into incredible art forms. Today, Chinese Lanterns are a cherished part of cultural festivals and celebrations throughout the country.

History of Chinese Lanterns

Original lantern construction varied according to their purpose. Palace lanterns were made of the finest silk or glass over the best wood. The traditional red lanterns (that are recognized around the world) were made of red gauze stretched over bamboo. Shadow-picture lanterns used a paper wheel inside which turned when heated. These created unique moving pictures around the outside of the lantern.

Today, lanterns have evolved even further. Now lanterns are fabricated of modern materials and technology. The lanterns you will experience at the Chinese Lantern Festival are created on welded steel frames that are wrapped in a cloth that mimics silk.

The Lantern Festival is one of China’s most traditional celebrations. It falls on the 15th day of the first lunar month (typically February or March on the Gregorian calendar). During this festival, varieties of lanterns are hung in the streets and children make their own to show off in village parades. Other traditions include posting riddles on the lanterns for people to decipher. The dragon or lion dance often accompanies the festivities and delicious rice dumplings are eaten on the day.

The lanterns at the festival are brilliantly lit up with colored led bulbs. They are then enlivened by music and sound effects, and visual moving parts. You will discover larger-than-life imaginative shapes for an incredible and unforgettable 4D experience. TIP: Do not miss the tea-cup elephant lantern or the incredible medicine bottle peacock created by filling empty medicine bottles with colored water and shining led light through them from behind.

The Chinese Shadow Play

Growing up in the US, most people have seen at least one puppet show. But, in China, a child would instead see something called a shadow play. It is a similar idea to what we call a puppet show. But, instead, shadows of characters are made behind a back-lit curtain.

Those participating in the shadow play at this year’s festival have performed together for over 55 years. Their hand painted puppets are simply incredible.

Shadow plays began in the Song Dynasty (960 AD -1279 AD). These plays are said to have contributed to modern day films and cartoons. Today, shadow plays are shown in museums and as a traditional form of entertainment.

After the show, step behind stage with the actors and test this incredible art our for yourself.

Do not miss the last weekend of this traditional festival here in South Florida. Comment below for you chance to win ticket or buy tickets now.

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About The Author

My name is Toni. I have lived in South Florida for most of my life and remember always looking forward to Island Water Sport's Midnight Madness. IWS has always been family. Growing up with a dad who loved to surf, I naturally loved the water. I have been blessed to work in the skateboarding industry while freelancing for magazines like Eastern Surf Magazine, The Paper, Juxtapose, Reggae Times, and Big Brother. Although I love to dabble in writing, marketing, and geeking out on the internet, my life's passion is investing in the lives of skateboarders and building skateparks around the world with my family.

14 Comments

Lora
on January 11, 2018 at 4:04 pm

Wow!!! This looks like an amazing event! I would love my kids to experience learning about the Chinese latern traditions!

I would love to go to this amazing event with my Little Buddhas, Kathryn Rose & Stephen! It’s been on my calendar this entire event I just haven’t made it out there! But we could go Sunday evening!! Hope all is well Toni!

Great article! Entering the contest for my daughter and son-in-law’s family, he was serving in the Army overseas in Iraq this time last year, and hoping he can get to experience some of the things he missed doing with them 🙂

Wow! I am sad that I am just now learning about this festival because it looks AMAZING. I would love to attend this event with my family. I think it would be a great way to learn about this culture and to see tons of beautiful artwork. Thank you for this giveaway.